FiduciaryObligation

New York's Attorney General has sued Bank of New York Mellon's Ivy Asset Management unit for keeping its clients' money with Ponzi-scheme operator Bernie Madoff -- even though it knew it was a scam. The investment adviser was earning big fees from Madoff.

Investors, take note. Many believe John Hancock and other 401 (k) providers like it are "fiduciaries," meaning they ensure investment options available to participants are the best -- and they put the interest of the plan participants above all others. That's not always the case.